Medical Bills: Tips to Help You Feel In Control

If you have a pile of medical bills, it is normal to feel very stressed at times. Whether you owe $5,000 or $20,000, mounting medical bills can definitely make you feel out of control. However, you do not have to live like this forever. There is no better time than the present to get all your finances sorted out. Here are some very helpful tips for getting your medical bills under control.

Try to Negotiate

If you have a very big hospital bill, never be afraid to negotiate. Surprisingly enough, many hospitals are willing to negotiate and reduce part of your bill. If you are polite and explain your circumstances, they are more likely to work with you. For example, if you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault, have your law firm contact the hospital about reducing your bill for you, then go in yourself and explain the situation.

Set Up a Payment Plan

Thousands of dollars in medical bills can be overwhelming for anyone, so it is a very good idea to set up a payment plan with the hospital. Most hospitals are very willing to set up payment plans that are affordable for you. Speak to someone in charge, and tell him how much you can afford to pay each month. The hospitals are usual more than willing to go over what financial aid you might be available for. When you have a plan in place from the beginning it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming for your while you pay it off.

Look For Errors

Hospitals sometimes make mistakes and charge you incorrectly, which is why you should thoroughly examine your hospital bills as soon as you receive them. If you notice any errors, you need to call the hospital right away to get it all cleared up. Double check with your insurance if it is a big bill they will be responsible for. Check with the hospital to make sure you actually used all the services listed on the bill. Often you will be charged more for longer stays and any amenities you take advantage of while there.

Get Financial Assistance

If you are having a really difficult time paying all your medical bills, you may want to look into different financial assistance programs. Many states and local governments have assistance programs for those who are struggling to pay medical bills. You could also find out if the hospital has any charity programs that can pay for some of your medical debt. Assistance programs are definitely out there, so you should ask about them.

If you follow these very helpful tips, you can get your medical bills under control. It might take some time, but it is very possible to pay off all your medical debt. The one thing you should not do is ignore your medical bills. If you just let them sit there for months, the hospital will eventually send you to collections, which can ruin your credit rating. It is a much smarter idea to communicate with the hospital and work something out with them.

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives in Los Lunas where when she isn’t writing and researching articles, she loves to go outside and run, bike and hike whenever possible. In her research of this article she found a Reno injury law firm to be a great resource. Contact Brooke on Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”